Why Does My Vehicle Pull to One Side While Driving?

Does it feel like your car is fighting you on the road and pulling to one side? Consider a few explanations for this problem and what you can do to fix it.

Have you noticed that your car is leaning in one direction while you’re driving? If so, consider these explanations as to why your vehicle pulls to one side while driving and some simple solutions for these common problems.

Identify the Details of the Issue

Before exploring the possible reasons your car is off-balance and pulling to one side, you should take time to identify the details of the problem. Does the car consistently pull to the left or the right when you’re driving?

Does the car pull in one direction when you accelerate or brake? Knowing these key details will make finding the root cause easier.

Determine the Reason Your Car May Pull to One Side

Improper Tire Pressure

The first thing you should do if you notice your car pulling to one side is check the tire pressure. If your tires are not properly inflated or one side is more inflated than the other, it could easily cause the vehicle to lean one way while driving.

If this is the problem, count yourself lucky because it’s an easy fix! Just check and correct the tire pressure for all four wheels and ensure they’re inflated to the recommended PSI range listed in the owner’s manual.

Wheel Misalignment

The problem may not be with the tires but with the wheels and their alignment. If the wheels are misaligned, they’re not going to keep your car straight and consistent while on the road.

Wheel misalignment can occur for many different reasons, but if it’s been a long time since you’ve had your tires rotated, that could be the issue. Bring your vehicle to an auto shop and ask about their vehicle alignment services.

Suspension Damage

Another common reason why a vehicle pulls to one side while driving is an issue with the suspension components. One of the most common problems with car suspensions is the car leaning one way while driving, which is typically due to damage or excessive wear and tear on components like the springs, joints, or bearings.

If this is the case, there’s no quick-fix solution except to stop driving the vehicle and have the affected parts repaired or replaced immediately.

Stuck Brake Caliper

If your car makes a screeching sound and leans one way when you brake, it’s almost definitely an issue with the brake calipers. If one of the brake calipers is stuck, or there is more wear on it than the other caliper, there will be an imbalance of force applied to the wheels, causing the vehicle to pull in one direction.

Whatever the reason for the stuck or unevenly worn caliper, it’s unsafe to drive and should be brought directly to a mechanic for repair or replacement.

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